'Has kept the score to one, somehow' – Liam Kennedy's half-time Newcastle United player ratings at Anfield

Here’s what Liam Kennedy half-time ratings...

Martin Dubravka – 9

Man of the match so far – has kept the score to one, somehow. Has had to deal with a number of one-on-ones and has done so very well.

Newcastle United's Slovakian goalkeeper Martin Dubravka (L) saves a shot from Liverpool's Egyptian midfielder Mohamed Salah (C) during the English Premier League football match between Liverpool and Newcastle United at Anfield in Liverpool, north west England on April 24, 2021.

Jacob Murphy – 6

Can cause problems for United on the break, if he can get involved a little more.

Federico Fernandez – 4

Not much better than the two alongside him. Expect much, much better from the Argentine.

Ciaran Clark – 3

Has done anything but defend. This central role in the three just isn’t working for the Republic of Ireland international.

Paul Dummett – 4

Not good enough from Dummett in this half, has been very, very poor.

Matt Ritchie – 5

Has been done far too often down the left, but defensive work isn’t his strong suit.

Jonjo Shelvey – 6

Has won some important tackles and kept things moving.

Sean Longstaff – 6

Has got to do so much better when put through by Shelvey, but couldn’t get the ball into stride.

Miguel Almiron – 6

Has done plenty of running but really needs to get his head up at times. Spoiled a perfectly good ASM through ball for Joelinton.

Allan Saint-Maximin – 7

Is a real livewire for Newcastle on the break – and Liverpool know it, having trying to kick him out of the game.

Joelinton – 6

Needs to be much quicker in his movements, has slowed things down at crucial points.